JP2006056468A - Steering gear for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steering gear for a vehicle, easy to operate from the viewpoint of human engineering, in which arms holding operation elements need not be crossed, and in which the need of shifting the operation element from one arm to the other is eliminated. <P>SOLUTION: This steering gear 10B is provided with an operation lever 21b disposed on the side of a driver's seat or at the front of a side part, and supported on a car body to be rotatable forward and backward of a vehicle, a grip 250 provided at an upper part of the operation lever 21b to be held by the driver, and a converting mechanism to convert forward and backward motion of the operation lever 21b into driving action of a driving wheel. The axial line of the grip 250 is inclined to the axial line of the operation lever 21b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle steering apparatus.

A round rotary handle is generally used as an operator in a vehicle steering system.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 is a steering device using a round rotary handle as an operating element, and the steering angle ratio of the vehicle steering system (the ratio of the turning angle of the steered wheels to the steering angle of the steering wheel) is set to the vehicle speed. A vehicle steering apparatus including a variable rudder angle ratio device that changes in response is disclosed.
JP 2001-260924 A

However, in the case of a general steering device using a rotary handle as a control, when turning a steered wheel greatly, both arms with the rotary handle must be crossed or the rotary handle must be changed during the operation. The nature was bad. Moreover, even when the variable steering angle ratio device is provided, the same steering wheel operation is necessary when turning the steered wheels to the maximum, and the operability is poor.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a vehicle steering apparatus that does not require crossing of arms having operation elements or change of the operation elements and is easy to operate ergonomically.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is arranged such that the vehicle body is disposed in a side or front side of a driver's seat (for example, driver's seat 5 in an embodiment described later) and is rotatable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. An operation lever supported on the operation lever (for example, an operation lever 21b in an embodiment described later), a grip (for example, a grip 250 in an embodiment described later) provided on an upper portion of the operation lever, and the operation A conversion mechanism (e.g., a conversion mechanism 30 in an embodiment described later) that converts the longitudinal movement of the lever into a steered operation of a steered wheel (e.g., front wheel 2 in an embodiment described later), and the axis of the grip is 1 is a vehicle steering device (for example, a steering device 10B in an embodiment described later) that is inclined with respect to an axis of an operation lever.
With this configuration, the driver can steer only by moving the arm holding the grip back and forth. In addition, by providing the grip with a predetermined angle with respect to the operation lever, it becomes easier for the driver to grip and operate the grip.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation lever (for example, an operation lever (for example, a driver's seat 5 in an embodiment to be described later)) supported on the vehicle body so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. , An operation lever 21b in an embodiment described later, a grip (for example, a grip 250 in an embodiment described later) provided on the upper portion of the operation lever, and a steered wheel ( For example, a conversion mechanism (for example, a conversion mechanism 30 in the embodiment described later) that converts the steering operation of the front wheel 2 in the embodiment described later is provided, and at least any of the relative position and posture of the grip with respect to the operation lever One of these is a vehicle steering device (for example, a steering device 10B in an embodiment to be described later) that is adjustable.
With this configuration, the driver can steer only by moving the arm holding the grip back and forth. In addition, the position or posture of the grip can be adjusted according to the driver's physique or according to the driver's preference.

The invention according to claim 3 is an operation lever (e.g., an operation lever (e.g., a driver's seat 5 in an embodiment to be described later) disposed on the side or in front of the side and supported on the vehicle body so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. An operation lever 21b in an embodiment described later, and a grip (for example, a grip 250 in the embodiment described later) provided on the upper portion of the operation lever so as to be slidable in the axial direction of the operation lever. A conversion mechanism (for example, a conversion mechanism 30 in an embodiment to be described later) that converts the back and forth movement of the operation lever into a steering operation of a steered wheel (for example, a front wheel 2 in an embodiment to be described later); A restricting mechanism that restricts the movement locus of the grip when it is rotated (for example, an arm 300, a rod 302, a guide roller 303, a slider in an embodiment described later) Da 304, pin 305, or, the horizontal portion 417, the slide pin 419, the guide portion 413, a guide groove 421), a vehicle steering apparatus comprising: a.
With this configuration, the driver can steer only by moving the arm holding the grip back and forth. Moreover, the grip can be moved along a desired trajectory.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation lever (e.g., an operation lever (e.g., a driver's seat 5 in an embodiment to be described later) disposed on the side or in front of the side and supported by the vehicle body so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. , An operation lever 21b in an embodiment described later, a grip (for example, a grip 250 in an embodiment described later) provided on the upper portion of the operation lever, and a steered wheel ( For example, a support shaft that includes a conversion mechanism (for example, a conversion mechanism 30 in an embodiment that will be described later) that converts the turning operation of the front wheel 2 in the embodiment that will be described later and that rotatably supports the operation lever on the vehicle body. (For example, shafts 400a and 400b in the embodiments described later) are vehicle steering devices characterized in that their axes are oriented substantially vertically.
With this configuration, the driver can steer only by moving the arm holding the grip back and forth. Moreover, the grip can be rotated back and forth within a single plane.

The invention according to claim 5 is an operation lever (e.g., an operation lever (e.g., a driver's seat 5 in an embodiment to be described later) disposed on the side or in front of the side and supported on the vehicle body so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. , An operation lever 21b in an embodiment described later, a grip (for example, a grip 250 in an embodiment described later) provided on the upper portion of the operation lever, and a steered wheel ( For example, a conversion mechanism (e.g., a conversion mechanism 30 in an embodiment described later) for converting to a turning operation of the front wheel 2 in an embodiment described later, and a posture holding mechanism (e.g., a posture of the grip relative to the vehicle body) Links 281A, 281B or rods 302, guide rollers 303, arms 300, sliders 304, pins 30 in the embodiments described later. ) And a vehicle steering apparatus comprising: a.
With this configuration, the driver can steer only by moving the arm holding the grip back and forth. In addition, the grip can always be held in a constant posture with respect to the vehicle body while the operation lever is rotated in the front-rear direction.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein the posture holding mechanism is configured by the operation lever including a parallel link (for example, links 281A and 281B in the embodiments described later). Features.
With this configuration, the driver can steer only by moving the arm holding the grip back and forth. In addition, the grip can always be held in a constant posture with respect to the vehicle body while the operation lever is rotated in the front-rear direction.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein the posture holding mechanism is a parallel movement mechanism that translates the grip in the front-rear direction relative to the vehicle body (for example, a rod 302, a guide in an embodiment described later). A coupling mechanism (for example, an arm 300 and a slider in an embodiment described later) that couples the grip 303 and the operation lever so as to be rotatable relative to each other and slidably connects the grip in the axial direction of the operation lever. 304 and a pin 305).
With this configuration, the driver can steer only by moving the arm holding the grip back and forth. In addition, the grip can always be held in a constant posture with respect to the vehicle body while the operation lever is rotated in the front-rear direction.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the driver can steer only by moving the arm holding the grip back and forth, and the driver can easily grip the grip, so that the operability is improved.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 2, a driver | operator can steer only by moving the arm with a grip back and forth. In addition, the grip position or posture can be adjusted according to the driver's physique or according to the driver's preference, so the operability is improved.
According to the invention of claim 3, the driver can steer only by moving the arm holding the grip back and forth. In addition, since the grip can be moved along a desired trajectory, unnecessary movement of the grip that is a burden on the driver can be eliminated, and operability is improved.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the driver can steer only by moving the arm holding the grip back and forth. In addition, since the grip can be moved back and forth within the same horizontal plane, unnecessary movement of the grip that is a burden on the driver can be eliminated, and the operability is improved.
According to the inventions according to claims 5 to 7, the driver can steer only by moving the arm holding the grip back and forth. Moreover, since the grip can always be held in a constant posture with respect to the vehicle body while the operation lever is rotated in the front-rear direction, unnecessary movement of the grip that burdens the driver can be eliminated, Operability is improved.

First, a basic technology (hereinafter referred to as a basic technology) related to the vehicle steering apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings of FIGS.
The vehicle 1 is a four-wheeled vehicle having front wheels 2 and 2 as steered wheels and rear wheels 3 and 3 as driving wheels. The rear wheels 3 supported by the body frame (vehicle body) 4 are driven by a driving device such as an engine (not shown). It is designed to rotate. The front wheel 2 is rotatably attached to an axle portion 31a of a knuckle 31 that is rotatably supported at both ends of a front cross member 4a in the body frame 4.
The vehicle body frame 4 is provided with a driver seat 5 between the front wheel 2 and the rear wheel 3 and substantially in the center of the vehicle width direction. The driver seat 5 is steered to the side of the driver seat 5 and in front of the driver seat 5. A device 10A is provided.
The steering device 10 </ b> A includes an operation unit 20 that is operated by a driver and transmits an operation intention thereof, and a conversion mechanism 30 that converts the operation of the operation unit 20 into a steering operation of the front wheels 2 and 2.

  The operation unit 20 and the conversion mechanism 30 will be described in detail. The vehicle body frame 4 is provided with a sub cross member 4d in front of the center cross member 4b, and a base plate 40 is fixed on the sub cross member 4d. Three bearings 41, 42, and 43 are installed on the base plate 40 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction. The shaft 44 a is axially centered by the left bearing 41 and the center bearing 42 as viewed from the driver's seat 5 side. The shaft 44b is supported by the right side bearing 43 and the central bearing 42 as viewed from the driver's seat 5 side so as to be rotatable along the vehicle width direction. In addition, a reversing mechanism (not shown) for interlocking the shafts 44a and 44b and reversing the rotation directions is built in the central bearing 42, and the shaft 44a and the shaft 44b are always at the same angle in the opposite directions. It has only been rotated.

The ends of the shafts 44a and 44b protrude from the bearings 41 and 43, and the operation levers 21a and 21b are arranged and fixed at the ends of the shafts 44a and 44b so as to be orthogonal to the shafts 44a and 44b. That is, the operation levers 21a and 21b are supported by the vehicle body frame 4 via the bearings 41 to 43 so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1 with the shafts 44a and 44b as the rotation centers. The shafts 44a and 44b serving as support shafts are arranged in a horizontal posture with their axis lines along the vehicle width direction.
The operation levers 21a and 21b are formed in a straight plate shape, and grip portions 22a and 22b are provided at the upper ends thereof. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the axes of the operation levers 21a and 21b and the grip portions 22a and 22b are arranged on the same straight line, and form a straight line.

The lower ends of the operating levers 21a and 21b protrude downward from the connecting portion with the shafts 44a and 44b, the lower end of the left operating lever 21a and the tip of the knuckle arm 31b of the left knuckle 31 are connected by a tie rod 50a. The lower end of the control lever 21b and the tip of the knuckle arm 31b of the right knuckle 31 are connected by a tie rod 50b.
In this steering apparatus 10A, the operation unit 20 includes operation levers 21a and 21b and grip units 22a and 22b, and the conversion mechanism 30 includes a knuckle 31, shafts 44a and 44b, and tie rods 50a and 50b. Yes.

Further, in this steering apparatus 10A, the operation levers 21a and 21b are set so as to have a substantially vertical posture when the vehicle 1 is held in a state of traveling straight. Hereinafter, the postures of the operation levers 21a and 21b when the vehicle 1 is kept straight are referred to as “straight forward holding postures”.
Then, when the operation levers 21a and 21b are set in the straight holding posture, the driver's seat 5 and the operation levers 21a and 21a, A relative positional relationship with 21b is set.

  In the steering apparatus 10A configured in this way, for example, when the left operation lever 21a is tilted forward, the shaft 44a rotates in the same direction, and the shaft 44b rotates in the reverse direction by the action of the reverse rotation mechanism described above. The right operating lever 21b tilts backward. When the operation lever 21a is tilted forward, the tie rod 50a connected to the lower end of the operation lever 21a is pulled rearward. As a result, the left knuckle 31 rotates clockwise in plan view, and the left front wheel 2 is steered in the right turn direction. At the same time, the right operating lever 21b tilts backward, so that the tie rod 50b connected to the lower end of the operating lever 21b is pushed forward. As a result, the right knuckle 31 also rotates clockwise in plan view. The right front wheel 2 is also steered in the right turning direction. When the left operating lever 21a is tilted backward (in other words, when the right operating lever 21b is tilted forward), the left and right knuckles 31 rotate counterclockwise in plan view, and the left and right front wheels 2 is steered in the left turn direction.

  In this steering apparatus 10A, the driver can steer the front wheels 2 and 2 by holding the grip portions 22a and 22b of the operation levers 21a and 21b with left and right hands and bending the left and right arms back and forth. it can. In other words, the driver can steer only by moving the arm having the operation levers 21a and 21b back and forth.

Further, when the driver holding the grip portions 22a and 22b of the operation levers 21a and 21b in the straight holding posture extends the one arm, the arm of the operation levers 21a and 21b before the elbow of the arm extends straight. The dimensions of the respective parts are set in advance so that the turning angle of the front wheels 2 and 2 is maximized.
Therefore, the driver can steer the front wheels 2 and 2 to the maximum by performing only one operation of extending the elbow of the arm having the operation levers 21a and 21b. That is, when obtaining a large turning angle in the conventional round rotating handle, it is necessary to cross both arms with the handle or to change the handle. However, this steering device 10A is not necessary and the operability is extremely improved. . 1 and 2, the solid line indicates the state of the straight holding posture, and the two-dot chain line indicates the state in which the front wheels 2 and 2 are turned to the maximum.
In addition, since the driver can steer by a simple operation that moves the arm back and forth, the steering speed is increased. In addition, since this operation is mainly based on human antagonistic two-joint motion, it is possible to reduce the operation load and fatigue.

Although the steering device 10A of the basic technology configured as described above has sufficiently good operability, there is still room for improvement from an ergonomic point of view. The steering device 10B according to the present invention is obtained by improving the operation unit 20 in the above-described basic technology steering device 10A.
Embodiments of a vehicle steering apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings of FIGS. In the following description, the description of the same components as those of the steering device 10A of the basic technology described above will be omitted, and only the differences will be described.

From an ergonomic point of view, when a person naturally pulls his arm forward from a state where his arm is lowered and gently grasps his hand, as shown in FIG. It is known that it is inclined inward by a slight angle α. Although FIG. 7 shows the case of the right hand, the same applies to the case of the left hand.
Therefore, in the steering device 10B of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the operating lever 21b is angled at a portion 201 (hereinafter referred to as a bent portion) spaced apart by a predetermined dimension from the connecting portion with the shaft 44b. A grip 250 that constitutes the grip portion 22b is provided above the operation lever 21b and on the extension of the axis of the operation lever 21b. That is, when the lower side of the connecting portion with the shaft 44b in the operating lever 21b is the base portion 202 and the upper portion is the tip portion 203, the base portion 202 of the operating lever 21b is installed in a posture orthogonal to the horizontal shaft 44b. However, the front portion 203 of the operation lever 21b is inclined inward in the vehicle width direction by an angle α with respect to the base portion 202, and the grip 250 installed on the axial extension of the front portion 203 of the operation lever 21b is also the operation lever 21b. The base portion 202 is disposed to be inclined inward in the vehicle width direction. 8 and 9 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured similarly.
This makes it easier for the driver to grip and operate the grip portions 22a and 22b (grips 250).

Next, Example 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. A steering device 10B according to the second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and is configured to be capable of adjusting an inclination angle α (hereinafter referred to as an inner inclination angle in the vehicle width direction) α of the grip portion 22b.
More specifically, in the second embodiment, the operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b are configured separately. The grip portion 22b includes an arm 251 connected to the operation lever 21b and a grip 250 provided on the extension of the arm 251. The lower end of the arm 251 is connected to the tip of the operation lever 21b through a shaft portion (not shown) of the lock lever 253 so as to be relatively rotatable, and the arm 251 is fixed to the operation lever 21b by tightening the lock lever 253. It is configured to be able to. 10 and 11 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured similarly.
In this way, the vehicle width direction inner side inclination angle α of the grip portion 22b (grip 250) can be adjusted according to the driver's physique or according to the driver's preference, so that the operability is further improved. To do.

Next, Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. The steering device 10B according to the third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment, and not only can the inner inclination angle α of the grip portion 22b in the vehicle width direction be adjusted, but also the distance between the left and right grip portions 22a and 22b can be adjusted. It is a thing.
More specifically, the operating lever 21b is connected to the first lever 206 connected to the shaft 44b, and to the tip of the first lever 206 via a shaft portion (not shown) of the lock lever 209 so as to be relatively rotatable. It consists of two levers 207. As in the case of the second embodiment, the grip portion 22b includes an arm 251 connected to the operation lever 21b and a grip 250 provided on the extension of the arm 251. The lower end of the arm 251 is the second lever. It is connected to the front part of 207 via a shaft part (not shown) of the lock lever 210 so as to be relatively rotatable. 12 and 13 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured similarly.
In the case of the third embodiment, the distance between the left and right grip portions 22a and 22b can be changed by loosening the lock lever 209 and rotating the second lever 207 relative to the first lever 206 in the vehicle width direction. After setting the desired distance, the lock lever 209 can be fixed by tightening. Further, by loosening the lock lever 210 and rotating the arm 251 of the grip portion 22b in the vehicle width direction with respect to the second lever 207, the inward inclination angle α of the grip portion 22b in the vehicle width direction can be changed. After the tilt angle is set, the lock lever 210 can be fixed by tightening.
If it does in this way, according to a driver's physique or a driver's liking, the interval between grip parts 22a and 22b when grasping right and left grips 250 and 250 with both hands can be adjusted, In addition, since the inward inclination angle α in the vehicle width direction of the grip portions 22a and 22b can be adjusted independently of the adjustment of the distance between the grip portions 22a and 22b, the operability is further improved.

Next, Example 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. The steering device 10B according to the fourth embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment. Like the third embodiment, the steering device 10B not only makes it possible to adjust the inward inclination angle α in the vehicle width direction of the grip portion 22b, but also includes the left and right grip portions 22a, The separation dimension of 22b can be adjusted.
More specifically, a slide box 211 is provided at the upper end of the operation lever 21b, and a slider 212 is inserted into the slide box 211 so as to be slidable in the vehicle width direction, and the slider 212 is made immovable with respect to the slide box 211. A first lock lever 213 is provided for this purpose. The screw portion 213a of the first lock lever 213 is screwed into the slide box 211. By tightening the first lock lever 213, the tip of the screw portion 213a presses the side wall of the slider 212, and the slider 212 cannot be moved. The slider 212 can be slid with respect to the slide box 211 by loosening the first lock lever 213.

The grip portion 22b includes an arm 215 and a grip 250 provided on the axial extension of the arm 215. The lower end 215a of the arm 215 is connected to the end 212a of the slider 212 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The shaft portion 216a is attached so as to be rotatable in the vehicle width direction. As shown in FIG. 18, a screw portion 216 b is formed at the tip of the shaft portion 216 a of the second lock lever 216, and this screw portion 216 b is screwed into one side of the lower end 215 a of the arm 215. Then, the end 212a of the slider 212 can be clamped and fixed by the lower end 215a of the arm 215 by tightening the second lock lever 216, and the arm 215 is attached to the slider 212 by loosening the second lock lever 216. On the other hand, it can be rotated in the vehicle width direction. 14 to 18 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are similarly configured.
If comprised in this way, the separation | spacing dimension of grip part 22a, 22b can be adjusted, without changing the height of the grip 250, and the grip part 22a is independent of the space | interval adjustment between grip part 22a, 22b. , 22b in the vehicle width direction inner side inclination angle α, the operability is further improved.

By the way, from an ergonomic point of view, when a person naturally pulls his arm forward from a state where his arm is lowered and gently grasps the rod, the axis 113 of the rod held by the hand portion 101 is as shown in FIG. It has been found that it tilts forward by a slight angle β with respect to the vertical direction 112. Although FIG. 19 shows the case of the right hand, the same applies to the case of the left hand.
Therefore, in the steering device 10B of the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, not only the grip portion 22b is tilted inward in the vehicle width direction, but the tip portion 203 of the operation lever 21b is connected to the grip portion 22b. A portion 205 (hereinafter referred to as a bent portion) spaced apart from the portion by a predetermined dimension is bent forward by an angle β, and a grip portion 22b is provided on the upper portion of the tip portion 203 on the axial extension of the tip portion 203. That is, the grip 250 installed on the extension of the tip 203 above the bent portion 205 in the operation lever 21b is disposed to be inclined forward of the vehicle with respect to the base 202 of the operation lever 21b. 20 and 21 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured in the same manner.
This makes it easier for the driver to grip and operate the grip portions 22a and 22b (grips 250).

Next, Example 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the steering device 10B of the sixth embodiment, the right grip portion 22b is inclined forward of the vehicle with respect to the operation lever 21b, and the forward inclination angle β is adjustable. In this embodiment, the grip portion 22b is not inclined inward in the vehicle width direction.
More specifically, the grip portion 22b includes an arm 218 having a worm gear 217 on the lower end surface, and a grip 250 provided on an extension of the axis of the arm 218. An intermediate portion of the arm 218 is interposed via a support shaft 220. The upper end 221 of the operation lever 21b is attached to be rotatable in the vehicle front-rear direction. A worm 222 that meshes with the worm gear 217 is rotatably supported by the operation lever 21b via a bracket 223. As shown in FIG. 26, an adjustment dial 224 is fixed to one end of the shaft portion of the worm 222 passing through the bracket 223. When the adjustment dial 224 is rotated to rotate the worm 222, the worm 222 and the worm gear 217 are fixed. As a result, the arm 218 rotates in the vehicle front-rear direction about the support shaft 220, and the forward tilt angle β of the grip portion 22b with respect to the operation lever 21b can be changed. Since no rotational force is transmitted from the worm gear 217 to the worm 222, the forward tilt angle β of the grip portion 22b with respect to the operation lever 21b does not change when steering with the grip portion 22b. 22 to 26 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, but the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are similarly configured.
In this way, the forward tilt angle β of the grip portion 22b with respect to the operation lever 21b can be changed according to the driver's physique or according to the driver's preference, so that the operability is further improved.

Next, Example 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28. In the steering device 10B of the seventh embodiment, as in the sixth embodiment, the right grip portion 22b is inclined forward of the vehicle with respect to the operation lever 21b, and the forward inclination angle β is adjustable. In the seventh embodiment, the grip portion 22b is not inclined inward in the vehicle width direction.
The steering device 10B of the seventh embodiment is different from the sixth embodiment in an adjustment mechanism for the forward tilt angle β of the grip portion 22b. The grip portion 22b includes an arm 225 having a fan-shaped lower portion and a grip 250 provided on an extension of the axis of the arm 225. An intermediate portion of the arm 225 is connected to the operation lever 21b via a support shaft 227. The upper end 221 is attached so as to be rotatable in the vehicle front-rear direction. A guide hole 225b is formed in an arc shape around the support shaft 227 in the fan-shaped portion 225a of the arm 225, and the shaft portion 229 of the lock lever 228 is inserted into the guide hole 225b. The tip portion of the shaft portion 229 is a screw, and this screw is screwed into the boss portion 230 fixed to the operation lever 21b. The forward tilt angle β of the grip portion 22b can be changed by loosening the lock lever 228 and rotating the grip portion 22b with respect to the operation lever 21b in the vehicle front-rear direction, and by tightening the lock lever 228, the grip portion 22b can be set and fixed at a desired forward tilt angle β with respect to the operating lever 21b. 27 and 28 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured similarly.
In this way, the forward tilt angle β of the grip portion 22b with respect to the operation lever 21b can be changed according to the driver's physique or according to the driver's preference, so that the operability is further improved.

Next, Embodiment 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30. FIG. In the steering device 10B of the eighth embodiment, the height of the grip portion 22b can be adjusted. In the eighth embodiment, the grip portion 22b is not tilted inward in the vehicle width direction and is not inclined with respect to the operation lever 21b.
More specifically, the grip portion 22b includes an arm 231 connected to the operation lever 21b and a grip 250 provided on an extension of the axis of the arm 231. The arm 231 has a long hole extending in the axial direction. 231a is provided. A guide groove 233 extending in the axial direction is provided on the right side surface of the front portion of the operation lever 21b, and the arm 231 of the grip portion 22b is slidably engaged with the guide groove 233. The shaft portion 234a of the lock lever 234 is inserted into the long hole 231a of the grip portion 22b, and a screw provided at the tip of the shaft portion 234a is screwed into the nut portion 235 of the operation lever 21b. The height of the grip portion 22b can be changed by loosening the lock lever 234 and sliding the arm 231 of the grip portion 22b along the guide groove 233, and the grip portion 22b can be changed by tightening the lock lever 234. The desired height can be set and fixed. 29 and 30 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured similarly.
In this way, the height of the grip 250 can be changed according to the physique of the driver or according to the preference of the driver, so that the operability is further improved.

Next, Embodiment 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. The steering device 10B according to the ninth embodiment can adjust the height of the grip portion 22b as in the eighth embodiment. In the ninth embodiment, the grip portion 22b is not tilted inward in the vehicle width direction and is not inclined with respect to the operation lever 21b.
More specifically, the operation lever 21b includes a first lever 236A connected to the shaft 44b, and a guide tube 236B having a circular cross section disposed on the extension of the axis of the first lever 236A and fixed with a bolt. ing. The guide cylinder 236B is provided with a guide hole 237 having a rectangular cross section with the upper end opened and extending in the axial direction. An adjustment dial 239 having a female screw 238 at the center is rotatable at the upper end of the guide cylinder 236B. And it is attached so that it cannot be detached. The grip portion 22 b includes an arm 240 having a substantially rectangular cross section received in the guide hole 237 and a grip 250 provided on an extension of the axis of the arm 240. The arm 240 is formed to have a slightly smaller cross section than the guide hole 237 so that the arm 240 cannot rotate with respect to the guide cylinder 236B and can slide in the axial direction (vertical direction). Further, the four corners of the arm 240 are formed in an arc shape, and male screws 240a are formed at the four corners over almost the entire length in the axial direction. The male screw 240 a is screwed into the female screw 238 of the adjustment dial 239, and the arm 240 penetrating the adjustment dial 239 is inserted into the guide hole 237.
In the case of the ninth embodiment configured as described above, by rotating the adjustment dial 239, the arm 240 that is non-rotatably engaged with the guide hole 237 can be moved up and down, and the grip 250 is brought to a desired height. Can be changed. 31 to 34 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured in the same manner.
In this way, the height of the grip 250 can be changed according to the physique of the driver or according to the preference of the driver, so that the operability is further improved.

Next, Example 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 35 and 36. In the steering device 10B of the tenth embodiment, the position of the grip portion 22b in the vehicle front-rear direction can be adjusted. In the tenth embodiment, the grip portion 22b is not tilted inward in the vehicle width direction, and is not inclined with respect to the operation lever 21b.
More specifically, the grip portion 22b includes an arm 242 connected to the operation lever 21b and a grip 250 provided on the extension of the arm 242. The arm 242 is L-shaped, and a grip 250 is connected to the extension of the upper axis of the upright portion 242a. A long hole 242c extending in the vehicle front-rear direction is provided in the horizontal portion 242b extending forward from the lower end of the upright portion 242a. It has been. The operation lever 21b has an inverted L shape, and is configured such that a horizontal portion 245 extends forward from the upper end of the upright portion 244. A guide groove 246 extending in the horizontal direction is provided on the right side surface of the horizontal portion 245, and the horizontal portion 242 b of the arm 242 is slidably engaged with the guide groove 246. The shaft portion 247a of the lock lever 247 is inserted into the elongated hole 242c of the arm 242b, and a screw provided at the tip of the shaft portion 247a is screwed into the nut portion 248 of the operation lever 21b.
By loosening the lock lever 247 and sliding the horizontal portion 242b of the arm 242 along the guide groove 246 of the operation lever 21b, the vehicle longitudinal direction position of the grip portion 22b can be changed, and the lock lever 247 is tightened. Accordingly, the grip portion 22b can be set and fixed at a desired front-rear direction position. 35 and 36 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured similarly.
In this way, the position of the grip 250 in the vehicle front-rear direction can be changed according to the physique of the driver or according to the preference of the driver, so that the operability is further improved.

Next, Example 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 and 38. A steering device 10B according to the eleventh embodiment is a modification of the tenth embodiment, and is configured such that the vehicle front-rear direction position and the vertical position of the grip portion 22b can be adjusted.
The difference between the steering device 10B of the eleventh embodiment and the tenth embodiment is that the guide groove 246 in the horizontal portion 245 of the operating lever 21b is inclined upward and the arm 242 of the grip portion 22b. In other words, the grip 250 is set to be slightly inclined forward of the vehicle with respect to the vertical direction in a state where the horizontal portion 242b is engaged with the guide groove 246. 37 and 38 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured similarly.
In this case, the vehicle longitudinal direction position and the vertical direction position of the grip part 22b can be changed simultaneously by loosening the lock lever 247 and sliding the horizontal part 242b of the arm 242 along the guide groove 246. In addition, since the grip 250 is tilted forward, the driver can easily grip the grip 250.
In this way, the vehicle longitudinal direction position and the vertical direction position of the grip 250 can be changed according to the physique of the driver or according to the driver's preference, so that the operability is further improved.
In the eleventh embodiment, the guide groove 246 is inclined upwardly toward the vehicle front, but the guide groove 246 may be inclined downwardly toward the vehicle front.

Next, Example 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 39 and 40. The steering device 10B according to the twelfth embodiment is functionally the same as the eleventh embodiment, and can adjust the vehicle longitudinal direction position and the vertical position of the grip portion 22b. However, the position adjustment mechanism is different from that of the eleventh embodiment.
More specifically, the grip portion 22b includes an arm 260 connected to the operation lever 21b and a grip 250 provided on the extension of the arm 260. The upper side 260a of the arm 260 is inclined forward of the vehicle with respect to the lower side 260b, and a grip 250 is provided on the axial extension of the upper side 260a. The lower side 260b of the arm 260 is connected to the front portion 266 of the operation lever 21b via a pair of links 262A and 262B that are parallel to each other so that the lower side 260b is always parallel to the operation lever 21b. Both ends are rotatably connected to the operation lever 21b or the arm 260. Further, nuts 263A and 263B are fixed to the lower end portion of the arm 260 and the upper end portion of the operation lever 21b. The nuts 263A and 263B are internally threaded in opposite directions (that is, one nut is a right-hand screw, the other is The nut is a left-hand thread). Then, male threads 264A and 264B of an adjustment rod 264 provided with a dial 265 are screwed into these nuts 263A and 263B, respectively.

In the twelfth embodiment, by rotating the adjustment rod 264, the distance between the nuts 263A and 263B is changed, and the grip portion 22b can be simultaneously translated in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vertical direction, and the grip portion 22b is moved forward in the vehicle. It can be moved upward as it is moved. 39 and 40 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured similarly.
In this way, the vehicle longitudinal direction position and the vertical direction position of the grip 250 can be changed according to the physique of the driver or according to the driver's preference, so that the operability is further improved.
Note that the nuts 263A and 263B may be installed at positions indicated by reference numerals 269A and 269B in FIG. 39, and the male screws 264A and 264B of the adjustment rod 264 may be screwed into these.

Next, Example 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. A steering device 10B according to the thirteenth embodiment is a modification of the tenth embodiment, and is configured such that the vehicle longitudinal direction position and the vehicle width direction position of the grip portion 22b can be adjusted.
The steering device 10B of the thirteenth embodiment is different from the tenth embodiment in that the horizontal portion 245 and the guide groove 246 of the operation lever 21b are arranged so as to go outward in the vehicle width direction as the vehicle moves forward. In other words, the grip 250 is set in a posture that slightly inclines forward of the vehicle with respect to the vertical direction in a state where the horizontal portion 242b of the arm 242 of the grip portion 22b is engaged with the guide groove 246. 41 to 43 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured similarly.
In this case, the vehicle longitudinal direction position and the vehicle width direction position of the grip portion 22b can be changed simultaneously by loosening the lock lever 247 and sliding the horizontal portion 242b of the arm 242 along the guide groove 246. . In addition, since the grip 250 is tilted forward, the driver can easily grip the grip 250.
Therefore, the vehicle front-rear direction position and the vehicle width direction position of the grip 250 can be changed according to the driver's physique or according to the driver's preference, so that the operability is further improved.
In the eleventh embodiment, the guide groove 246 is arranged so as to go to the vehicle outer side as it goes forward of the vehicle, but the guide groove 246 may be arranged so as to go toward the vehicle inner side as it goes forward of the vehicle.

Next, Example 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 44 to 46. In the steering device 10B of the fourteenth embodiment, the height of the grip portion 22b, the vehicle longitudinal direction position, and the vehicle width direction position can be adjusted. In the fourteenth embodiment, the grip portion 22b is not tilted inward in the vehicle width direction and is not in a forward tilt posture.
More specifically, the operating lever 21b includes a first lever 270A connected to the shaft 44b, a guide cylinder 270B disposed on the tip of the first lever 270A on its axis extension and bolted thereto, and a guide cylinder 270B. It is comprised from the raising / lowering rod 270C attached so that rotation was impossible and it was possible to slide to an up-down direction. An adjustment dial 271 is rotatably attached to the upper end of the guide cylinder 270B and cannot be detached. By rotating the adjustment dial 271, the elevating rod 270C can be moved up and down relative to the guide cylinder 270B. It has become. The mechanism that allows the lifting rod 270C to move up and down with respect to the guide cylinder 270B is the same as the mechanism that enables the arm 240 of the grip portion 22b to move up and down relative to the guide cylinder 236B in the ninth embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. Omitted.

  The grip portion 22b includes an arm 272 connected to the operation lever 21b, and a grip 250 fixed to one end of the arm 272 in a standing posture. The arm 272 has a flat plate shape, and the upper surface and the lower surface of the arm 272 are horizontally arranged and disposed on the lifting rod 270C. The arm 272 has a long hole 272a extending along the longitudinal direction of the arm 272. A shaft portion (not shown) of the lock lever 274 is inserted into the elongated hole 272a, and a screw portion at the tip of the shaft portion is screwed into a screw hole (not shown) provided on the upper surface of the elevating rod 270C. The arm 272 can be fixed to the lifting rod 270C by tightening the lock lever 274. 44 to 46 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured in the same manner.

In Example 14, the height of the grip portion 22b can be changed by rotating the adjustment dial 271. Further, when the lock lever 274 is loosened, the arm 272 of the grip portion 22b can be moved in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the lifting rod 270C, and the arm 272 can be rotated horizontally with respect to the lifting rod 270C. The vehicle longitudinal direction position and the vehicle width direction position of the grip 250 can be changed.
In this way, the height of the grip 250, the vehicle front-rear direction position, and the vehicle width direction position can be changed according to the driver's physique or according to the driver's preference. improves.

By the way, in the steering apparatus 10A of the basic technology described above shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, when the operation levers 21a and 21b are rotated, the driver's movement is performed by bending and extending the elbow 103 as shown in FIG. The linear movement of the part 101 is mainly performed. If this motion is performed without gripping the grip portions 22a and 22b, the hand portion 101 ahead of the wrist 102 during the motion is translated without changing the angle.
However, in the steering device 10A of the basic technology, since the operation lever 21b with the grip portion 22b integrally fixed rotates around the shaft 44b, for example, in a straight holding posture as shown in FIG. When the grip portion 22b is inclined forward by an angle θ with respect to the vertical direction with respect to the vertical direction, if the grip portion 22b is actually gripped and the operation lever 21b is rotated, the angle of the grip portion 22b with respect to the vertical direction is controlled. As the lever 21b rotates, it increases or decreases as shown in the figure. Therefore, in the actual rotation operation of the operation lever 21b, the hand portion 101 holding the grip portion 22b is forced to rotate in the front-rear direction.
The anteroposterior rotation operation of the hand portion 101 is a wasteful operation from the viewpoint of ergonomics, and it is preferable that this operation is not performed.

Therefore, in the fifteenth embodiment, the steering device 10B is provided with a mechanism for reducing the rotation operation of the driver's hand when the operation lever 21b is rotated.
A steering apparatus 10B according to the fifteenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the steering device 10B of the fifteenth embodiment, the left and right operation levers 21a and 21b are rotatably supported by the base plate 40 via two shafts 44a, 44a, 44b and 44b, respectively. The operation lever 21b on the right side will be described. The operation lever 21b includes two links (parallel links) 281A and 281B arranged in parallel to each other and a connection link 282 connected to the lower ends of both the links 281A and 281B. The links 281A and 281B are fixed to the ends of the two shafts 44b and 44b supported by the bearing 43, and are configured to rotate integrally with the shafts 44b and 44b. The lower ends of the links 281A and 281B positioned below the connecting portion with the shafts 44b and 44b are rotatably connected to the connecting link 282, and the tie rod 50b is connected to the connecting link 282.

  The grip portion 22b includes a base 283 coupled to the operation lever 21b, an arm 284 extending upright from the base 283, and a grip 250 provided on an axial extension of the arm 284. The base 283 is disposed in a horizontal posture, and therefore the axes of the arm 284 and the grip 250 are oriented in the vertical direction. Two links 281A and 281B of the operation lever 21b are rotatably connected to the base 283, respectively. In this way, the shafts 44b, 44b, the connecting link 282, and the links 281A, 281B connected to the base 283 are always maintained in a parallel state. Further, in the fifteenth embodiment, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 50, the links 281A and 281B are set to be slightly forward tilted forward of the vehicle in the straight holding posture. 49 and 50 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured similarly.

In the steering device 10B configured as described above, when the driver grasps the grip 250 and moves the arm back and forth to rotate the operation lever 21b in the front-rear direction, the links 281A and 281B maintain the parallel state to each other. Since the shaft rotates around the shafts 44b and 44b, the base 283 of the grip portion 22b is always held in a horizontal posture and the grip 250 is always oriented in the vertical direction during the rotating operation. Therefore, when the operation lever 21b is rotated, the rotation operation of the driver's hand can be reduced. As a result, operability is improved, and the burden on the driver during steering can be reduced.
In this embodiment, the operation lever 21b including the parallel links 281A and 281B constitutes a posture holding mechanism that keeps the posture of the grip 250 with respect to the vehicle body constant.
51 and 52, the arm 284 may be bent inward in the vehicle width direction and the grip 250 may be inclined inward in the vehicle width direction as shown in FIGS. 51 and 52, or as shown in FIGS. Thus, the arm 284 may be bent forward in the middle of the vehicle, and the grip 250 may be tilted forward in the forward direction of the vehicle. If it does in this way, it will become easy for a driver to grasp grip 250, and operativity will further improve.

Next, Example 16 will be described with reference to FIGS. 55 and 56. FIG. The steering device 10B according to the sixteenth embodiment is configured to reduce the rotational movement of the driver's hand when the operation lever 21b is rotated, and is functionally the same as the fifteenth embodiment. However, it is more simplified than the fifteenth embodiment.
In the steering device 10B of the sixteenth embodiment, the grip portion 22b is coupled to the tip portion 286 of the operation lever 21b so as to be relatively rotatable in the vertical direction. In the case of the seventh embodiment described above, a lock mechanism that makes the grip portion 22b non-rotatable is provided. However, in the case of the sixteenth embodiment, no lock mechanism is provided, and the grip portion 22b is always connected to the operation lever 21b. Relative rotation is possible. The grip portion 22b includes a support portion 287 that is rotatably connected to the operation lever 21b, and a grip 250 that extends from the support portion 287 to the rear of the vehicle. 55 to 56 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, but the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured similarly.
In this way, when the driver grips the grip 250 and rotates the operation lever 21b, the grip portion 22b can rotate relative to the operation lever 21b. Can be reduced. In other words, the grip portion 22b follows the rotation of the driver's hand. As a result, operability is improved, and the burden on the driver during steering can be reduced.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 57 and 58 is a modification of the sixteenth embodiment. The axis 250a of the grip 250 of the grip portion 22b is inclined inward in the vehicle width direction by an angle α with respect to the vertical direction, and the angle β is forward of the vehicle. Just leaning forward. If it does in this way, it will become easy for a driver to grasp grip 250, and operativity will further improve.
59 and 60 are also modifications of the sixteenth embodiment, and the joint portion 287a of the support portion 287 of the grip portion 22b has a spherical shape, and this joint portion 287a is a universal joint at the tip portion 286 of the operation lever 21b. As shown in FIG. Further, the grip 250 is inclined inward in the vehicle width direction and in front of the vehicle in the same manner as shown in FIGS. 57 and 58 described above.
In this way, since the grip portion 22b follows the angle change of the hand portion in all directions when the driver rotates the operation lever 21b, the operability is further improved, and the burden on the driver's steering is improved. Can be further reduced.
.

Incidentally, as described above, in the steering apparatus 10A of the basic technology shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, when the operation levers 21a and 21b are rotated, the driver's action is to bend the elbow 103 as shown in FIG. The main part is the linear longitudinal movement of the hand part 101 by stretching. From an ergonomic point of view, this is performed in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis (substantially vertical direction) 114 of the elbow 103 and includes three points of the wrist 102, the elbow 103, and the shoulder 105.
However, in the steering device 10A of the basic technology, since the operation lever 21b with the grip portion 22b integrally fixed rotates around the shaft 44b, the operation lever 21b is actually gripped by the grip portion 22b. 61, as shown in FIG. 61, the locus S drawn by the grip portion 22b causes a shift W in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane P. Therefore, in the actual rotation operation of the operation lever 21b, in addition to the linear back-and-forth movement of the hand portion 101, a movement for absorbing the shift W is forced.
The movement for absorbing the shift W is a wasteful operation from the viewpoint of ergonomics, and it is preferable that this motion is not present.

Therefore, in the seventeenth embodiment, the steering device 10B is provided with a mechanism that prevents the deviation W from occurring when the operation lever 21b is rotated.
A steering apparatus 10B according to the seventeenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 62 and 63. FIG. The grip portion 22b includes an arm 290 connected to the operation lever 21b and a grip 250 provided on the axial extension of the arm 290. A guide portion 292 having a substantially C-shaped cross section with an opening on the outer side in the vehicle width direction is formed at the front portion of the operation lever 21b so as to extend in the axial direction, and the arm 290 of the grip portion 22b is connected to the guide portion 292 along the axis It is slidably held in the direction. Further, a slide pin 293 is provided on the arm 290 of the grip portion 22b, and a tip 293a of the arm 290 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction through the opening of the guide portion 292. A tip 293a of the slide pin 293 is slidably engaged with a guide groove 295 of a guide member 294 fixed to the vehicle body. The guide groove 295 has a curved shape that bulges downward. In the seventeenth embodiment, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 63, the operation lever 21b is set to be slightly forward tilted forward of the vehicle in the straight holding posture. 62 and 63 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, but the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured similarly.

In the steering device 10B according to the seventeenth embodiment configured as described above, when the driver grips the grip 250 and rotates the operation lever 21b in the front-rear direction, the slide pin 293 moves while being guided by the guide groove 295. The arm 290 of the grip portion 22b is guided by the guide portion 292 of the operation lever 21b and moves in the axial direction. That is, the shape of the guide groove 295 in the guide member 294 in the longitudinal direction regulates the movement locus of the grip 250. In the seventeenth embodiment, the shape of the guide groove 295 in the longitudinal direction is set so that the movement locus of the grip 250 is within one plane.
When the driver grips the grip portion 22b and rotates the operation lever 21b, the locus drawn by the grip 250 is within one plane, and the grip 250 may be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the plane. Absent. As a result, operability is improved, and the burden on the driver during steering can be reduced.
In the seventeenth embodiment, the arm 290 of the grip portion 22b, the slide pin 293, the guide portion 292 of the operation lever 21b, and the guide groove 295 of the guide member 294 constitute a restriction mechanism that restricts the movement locus of the grip 250.

Next, Example 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. The steering device 10B according to the eighteenth embodiment is functionally similar to the seventeenth embodiment, and has a locus drawn by the grip portion 22b within a single plane.
The grip portion 22b includes an arm 300 connected to the operation lever 21b, a grip 250 provided on an extension of the axis of the arm 300, and a rod 302 extending vertically forward from the middle of the arm 300. . The rod 302 is movably inserted between four guide rollers 303, 303... Rotatably supported by the vehicle body. A slider 304 having a substantially C-shaped cross section is engaged with the tip of the operation lever 21b so as to be slidable in the axial direction of the operation lever 21b and not to be detached. The tip of the pin 305 fixed to the lower end of the arm 300 in the grip portion 22b is engaged with the slider 304 in a rotatable and non-detachable manner.
Further, in the eighteenth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 65, the operation lever 21b and the arm 300 are arranged in a straight line in the rectilinear holding posture and set to a slightly forward tilt posture in front of the vehicle. 64 to 66 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, but the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured similarly.

In the steering apparatus 10B according to the eighteenth embodiment configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 66, the rod 302 of the grip portion 22b is guided by the guide roller 303, so that the movement locus of the grip 250 is within one plane. It is regulated to translate linearly. In addition, the posture of the grip 250 with respect to the vehicle body is kept constant. When the grip 250 moves linearly in this way, the slider 304 rotates relative to the arm 300 of the grip portion 22b and slides relative to the operation lever 21b in the axial direction. 21b is rotated in the front-rear direction.
Therefore, when the driver grips the grip 250 and rotates the operation lever 21b, the movement path of the grip 250 is within one plane, and the grip 250 is not displaced in a direction perpendicular to the plane. . As a result, operability is improved, and the burden on the driver during steering can be reduced.

In the eighteenth embodiment, the rod 302 of the grip portion 22b and the guide roller 303 constitute a parallel movement mechanism that translates the grip portion 22b in the front-rear direction with respect to the vehicle body, and the arm 300 and the slider of the grip portion 22b. 304 and the pin 305 constitute a coupling mechanism that couples the grip portion 22b and the operation lever 21b so as to be rotatable relative to each other and slidably couples the grip portion 22b in the axial direction of the operation lever 21b. The connection mechanism constitutes a posture holding mechanism that keeps the posture of the grip portion 22b with respect to the vehicle body constant.
In addition, the arm 300 and the rod 302 of the grip portion 22b, the guide roller 303, the slider 304, and the pin 305 constitute a restriction mechanism that restricts the movement locus of the grip portion 22b.

Next, Example 19 will be described with reference to FIGS. The steering device 10B of the nineteenth embodiment is functionally similar to the seventeenth embodiment, and has a locus drawn by the grip portion 22b in a single plane.
In the first to eighteenth embodiments described above, the shaft 44b that supports the operation lever 21b is arranged in a horizontal posture with its axis line along the vehicle width direction. However, in this nineteenth embodiment, the operation lever 21b is supported. The shaft 400b is arranged with its axis line oriented in a substantially vertical direction. The shaft 400b is rotatably supported by a bearing 401 installed on the base 40, and the axis of the shaft 400b is slightly inclined forward of the vehicle with respect to the vertical direction.
The operation lever 21b includes a horizontal portion 402 disposed in a horizontal posture in the vehicle width direction, and an upright portion 403 that bends upward from the inner end of the horizontal portion 402 in the vehicle width direction and extends the tip upward in the vertical direction. Has been. The operation lever 21b is linear in a plan view, and is disposed so as to completely coincide with the vehicle width direction in the straight holding posture. And the grip part 22b is arrange | positioned on the axis line extension of the standing part 403, and it is rotatably attached to the upper end of the standing part 403. In this embodiment, the grip portion 22b is constituted by a grip 250. In the horizontal portion 402, the shaft 400b is connected and fixed in the vicinity of the outer end portion in the vehicle width direction, and in the horizontal portion 402, the tie rod 50b is connected to the end portion in the vehicle width direction outside the connecting portion with the shaft 400b. As described above, since the shaft 400b is inclined forward in the vehicle front, the operation lever 21b connected to the shaft 400b is also inclined forward in the vehicle front.
67 to 69 show the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, but the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured similarly.

In the case of the steering device 10B according to the nineteenth embodiment configured as described above, the vehicle can be turned to the right by pulling the right grip portion 22b rearward of the vehicle, and the right grip portion 22b is pushed forward of the vehicle. Can turn left.
Since the shaft 400b that rotatably supports the operation lever 21b has its axis line oriented in a substantially vertical direction, when the operation lever 21b is rotated in the front-rear direction, the movement locus of the grip portion 22b is within one plane. Thus, the grip portion 22b is not displaced in a direction perpendicular to the plane. As a result, operability is improved, and the burden on the driver during steering can be reduced.

In the nineteenth embodiment, the operation lever 21b is completely aligned with the vehicle width direction in a plan view when in the straight holding posture, but the operation lever 21b is in the vehicle width direction in a plan view when in the straight holding posture. It is also possible to offset the position of the grip portion 22b in the straight holding posture to the front of the vehicle.
Further, the position of the grip portion 22b in the straight traveling holding posture can be offset forward of the vehicle by bending the operation lever 21b forward of the vehicle.
By offsetting in this way, the interval between the left and right grip portions 22a and 22b when the grip portion 22b is moved to the rearmost side of the vehicle can be reduced.

Next, Example 20 will be described with reference to FIG. A steering device 10B according to the twentieth embodiment is a modification of the nineteenth embodiment.
As described above, according to the steering device 10B of the nineteenth embodiment, when the operation lever 21b is rotated in the front-rear direction, the movement locus of the grip portion 22b is within one plane, and in a direction perpendicular to the plane. Although the grip portion 22b is not displaced, it is accompanied by movement of the grip portion 22b in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, when the turning radius of the grip portion 22b around the shaft 400b is small, the grip portion 22b The movement in the width direction becomes large, and the driver is forced to move in the vehicle width direction in addition to the linear back-and-forth movement. Accordingly, it is ergonomically preferable that the movement of the grip portion 22b in the vehicle width direction is as small as possible.

Therefore, in the twentieth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 70, the front portion of the operation lever 21a linked to the left tie rod 50a is extended to the right front side of the driver's seat, the grip portion 22a is disposed at the tip thereof, and the right side By extending the front portion of the operation lever 21b linked to the tie rod 50b to the left front of the driver's seat and arranging the grip portion 22b at the tip, the rotation radius of the grip portions 22a and 22b with the shafts 400a and 400b as the center can be reduced. The movement in the vehicle width direction of the grip portions 22a and 22b is reduced by increasing the size.
The left and right operation levers 21a and 21b are bent in a substantially square shape at the rear in the plan view of the left operation lever 21a so that they do not interfere with each other during steering, and the right operation lever 21b. It is bent in a substantially square shape in front of the vehicle at the intermediate portion in plan view.
In this way, the movement of the grip portions 22a, 22b in the vehicle width direction during steering becomes extremely small, and the movement of the driver's hand can be made almost linear back-and-forth movement only. And the burden on the driver during steering can be reduced.
In the twentieth embodiment, the driver steers with the grip part 22b linked to the right front wheel with the left hand and with the grip part 22a linked with the left front wheel with the right hand.

Next, Example 21 will be described with reference to FIG. A steering device 10B according to the twenty-first embodiment is a modification of the twentieth embodiment.
For example, when turning the vehicle to the right, the driver pulls the grip portion 22a held with the right hand toward the rear of the vehicle and pushes the grip portion 22b held with the left hand forward of the vehicle. The direction of the steering handle must be the same. Therefore, although not shown in the embodiment 20, the attachment portion of the tie rod 50a (50b) to the knuckle 31 is changed.
Therefore, in the steering device 10B of the twenty-first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 71, the connecting portion between the operation lever 21a (21b) and the shaft 400a (400b) is disposed at the end of the operation lever 21a (21b), and the grip It is necessary to change the attachment portion of the tie rod 50a (50b) to the knuckle 31 by arranging the connecting portion of the operating lever 21b and the tie rod 50a (50b) on the same side as the portion 22a (22b). There is no such thing.

Next, Example 22 will be described with reference to FIG. The steering device 10B of the twenty-second embodiment is a modification of the nineteenth embodiment, in which the locus drawn by the grip portion 22b is within one plane and the movement of the grip portion 22b in the vehicle width direction is eliminated.
The shaft 400b that supports the operation lever 21b is disposed with its axis line oriented in a substantially vertical direction, and is rotatably supported by a bearing 401 installed on the base 40.
The operation lever 21b has a proximal end fixed to the shaft 400b and extending on an axial extension of the shaft 400b, and one end fixed to the distal end (upper end) of the rising portion 410 and horizontally extending inward in the vehicle width direction. Part 411. A bracket portion 412 extending outward in the vehicle width direction is provided at the lower portion of the standing portion 410, and a tie rod 50b is connected to the bracket portion 412. The horizontal portion 411 is provided with guide portions 413 and 413 having a substantially C-shaped cross section with an upper opening at the middle portion and the tip portion.

  The grip portion 22b includes an arm 415 coupled to the operation lever 21b, and a grip 250 that is rotatably attached to the arm 415. The arm 415 includes a horizontal portion 417 that is slidably held by the guide portions 413 and 413 of the operation lever 21b, and an upright portion 418 that extends vertically upward from the inner end in the vehicle width direction of the horizontal portion 417. The grip 250 is disposed on the axial extension of the upright portion 418. Further, a slide pin 419 is provided on the horizontal portion 417 of the arm 415 so as to protrude upward at a position where it does not interfere with the guide portions 413 and 413 of the operation lever 21b. The tip of the slide pin 419 is slidably engaged with a guide groove 421 of a guide member 420 fixed to the vehicle body. The guide groove 421 has a curved shape that bulges outward in the vehicle width direction. 72 shows the right operation lever 21b and the grip portion 22b, the left operation lever 21a and the grip portion 22a are configured in the same manner.

In the steering device 10B according to the twenty-second embodiment configured as described above, when the driver grips the grip 250 and rotates the operation lever 21b in the front-rear direction, the slide pin 419 moves while being guided by the guide groove 421. The horizontal portion 417 of the arm 415 in the grip portion 22b is guided by the guide portions 413 and 413 of the operation lever 21b and moves in the axial direction. That is, the shape of the guide groove 421 in the guide member 420 in the longitudinal direction restricts the movement locus of the grip 250. In the twenty-second embodiment, the shape of the guide groove 421 in the longitudinal direction is set so that the movement locus of the grip 250 is a straight line along the vehicle front-rear direction.
Further, in this steering device 10B, the shaft 400b that rotatably supports the operation lever 21b has its axis line oriented substantially in the vertical direction, so that when the driver grips the grip 250 and rotates the operation lever 21b, The locus drawn by the grip 250 is within one plane, and the grip 250 is not displaced in a direction perpendicular to the plane. As a result, operability is improved, and the burden on the driver during steering can be reduced.
In the twenty-second embodiment, the horizontal portion 411 of the operation lever 21b, the horizontal portion 417 of the arm 415 of the grip portion 22b, the slide pin 419, the guide portion 413 of the operation lever 21b, and the guide groove 421 of the guide member 420 are included in the grip 250. A restricting mechanism for restricting the movement trajectory is configured.

[Other Examples]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.
For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the conversion mechanism that converts the operation of the operation element into the turning operation of the steered wheel is completely mechanically configured. However, the input to the operation element is electrically processed to convert the operation of the steered wheel. It is also possible to configure with a conversion mechanism that electrically controls the turning amount.
Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the vehicle is a racing cart having only a driver's seat, but the vehicle steering apparatus according to the present invention can be mounted on a general vehicle having a plurality of seats such as a passenger seat. Also, it is not limited to a four-wheel vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a vehicle steering system that is a basic technology before the present invention is made. It is a top view of the vehicle provided with the vehicle steering device of the said basic technology. It is a side view of the vehicle provided with the steering device for vehicles of the basic technology. It is a front view of the vehicle provided with the vehicle steering device of the basic technology. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in the steering device for vehicles of the basic technology from the driver's seat side. It is a right view of the operation part in the steering device for vehicles of the basic technology. It is the external view which looked at the state where the person held the hand naturally. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in Example 1 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention from the driver's seat side. FIG. 3 is a right side view of an operation unit according to the first embodiment. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in Example 2 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention from the driver's seat side. It is a right view of the operation part in the said Example 2. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in Example 3 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention from the driver's seat side. It is a right view of the operation part in the said Example 3. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in Example 4 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention from the driver's seat side. It is a right view of the operation part in the said Example 4. It is a top view of the operation part in the said Example 4. It is the perspective view which looked at the operation part in the said Example 4 from diagonally downward. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of an operation unit in the fourth embodiment. It is the external view which looked at the state where the person held the hand naturally. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in Example 5 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention from the driver's seat side. It is a right view of the operation part in the said Example 5. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in Example 6 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention from the driver's seat side. It is a right view of the operation part in the said Example 6. It is a left view of the operation part in the said Example 6. It is a principal part rear view of the operation part in the said Example 6. FIG. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of an operation unit in the sixth embodiment. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in Example 7 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention from the driver's seat side. It is a left view of the operation part in the said Example 7. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in Example 8 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention from the driver's seat side. It is a right view of the operation part in the said Example 8. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in Example 9 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention from the driver's seat side. It is a right view of the operation part in the said Example 9. It is a Z arrow line view of FIG. It is YY sectional drawing of FIG. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in Example 10 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention from the driver's seat side. It is a right view of the operation part in the said Example 10. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in Example 11 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention from the driver's seat side. It is a right view of the operation part in the said Example 11. It is a right view of the operation part in Example 12 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention. It is a principal part enlarged view of the operation part in the said Example 12. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in Example 13 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention from the driver's seat side. It is a right view of the operation part in the said Example 13. It is a top view of the operation part in the said Example 13. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in Example 14 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention from the driver's seat side. It is a right view of the operation part in the said Example 14. It is a top view of the operation part in the said Example 14. It is a figure for ergonomically explaining the movement of a driver | operator's arm at the time of operating a control lever. It is a figure for demonstrating the angle change of the grip part in the steering device for vehicles used as the basic technique before this invention is made. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in Example 15 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention from the driver's seat side. It is a right view of the operation part in the said Example 15. It is a front view of the grip part in the 1st modification of the said Example 15. It is a right view of the grip part in the 1st modification of the said Example 15. It is a front view of the grip part in the 2nd modification of the said Example 15. FIG. It is a right view of the grip part in the 2nd modification of the said Example 15. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in Example 16 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention from the driver's seat side. It is a right view of the operation part in the said Example 16. FIG. 32 is a front view of an operation unit in a first modification example of the sixteenth embodiment. FIG. 28 is a right side view of the operation unit in the first modification example of the sixteenth embodiment. FIG. 28 is a front view of an operation unit in a second modification example of the sixteenth embodiment. FIG. 38 is a right side view of the operation unit in the second modification example of the sixteenth embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement locus | trajectory of the grip part in the steering device for vehicles used as the basic technique before this invention is made. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in Example 17 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention from the driver's seat side. It is a right view of the operation part in the said Example 17. It is the front view which looked at the operation part in Example 18 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention from the driver's seat side. It is a right view of the operation part in the said Example 18. In the said Example 18, it is a right view of the operation part which shows the movement locus | trajectory of a grip part. It is an external appearance perspective view of the operation part in Example 19 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention. It is a right view of the operation part in the said Example 19. It is a top view of the operation part in the said Example 19. It is a top view of the operation part in Example 20 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention. It is a top view of the operation part in Example 21 of the steering apparatus for vehicles which concerns on this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view of the operation part in Example 22 of the steering device for vehicles concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Vehicle 2 Front wheel (steered wheel)
5 Driver's seat 10B Steering device 21b Operation lever 30 Conversion mechanism 250 Grip 281A, 281B Link (posture holding mechanism)
300 arms (regulation mechanism, posture holding mechanism, coupling mechanism)
302 Rod (Regulation mechanism, posture holding mechanism, parallel movement mechanism)
303 guide roller (regulation mechanism, posture holding mechanism, parallel movement mechanism)
304 Slider (regulation mechanism, posture holding mechanism, coupling mechanism)
305 pin (restriction mechanism, posture holding mechanism, coupling mechanism)
400a, 400b Shaft (support shaft)
413 Guide part (regulation mechanism)
417 Horizontal part (regulatory mechanism)
419 Slide pin (regulation mechanism)
421 (regulatory mechanism)

Claims (7)

An operation lever disposed on the side of the driver seat or in front of the side and supported by the vehicle body so as to be rotatable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle;
A grip provided at the top of the operating lever and gripped by the driver;
A conversion mechanism that converts the back-and-forth movement of the operation lever into a turning operation of a steered wheel;
With
A steering apparatus for a vehicle, wherein an axis of the grip is inclined with respect to an axis of the operation lever. An operation lever disposed on the side of the driver seat or in front of the side and supported by the vehicle body so as to be rotatable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle;
A grip provided at the top of the operating lever and gripped by the driver;
A conversion mechanism that converts the back-and-forth movement of the operation lever into a turning operation of a steered wheel;
With
A vehicle steering apparatus, wherein at least one of a relative position and a posture of the grip with respect to the operation lever is adjustable. An operation lever disposed on the side of the driver seat or in front of the side and supported by the vehicle body so as to be rotatable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle;
A grip that is slidable in the axial direction of the operation lever at the top of the operation lever and is gripped by the driver;
A conversion mechanism that converts the back-and-forth movement of the operation lever into a turning operation of a steered wheel;
A regulation mechanism that regulates a movement locus of the grip when the operation lever is rotated in the front-rear direction;
A vehicle steering apparatus comprising: An operation lever disposed on the side of the driver seat or in front of the side and supported by the vehicle body so as to be rotatable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle;
A grip provided at the top of the operating lever and gripped by the driver;
A conversion mechanism that converts the back-and-forth movement of the operation lever into a turning operation of a steered wheel;
With
A vehicle steering apparatus, wherein a support shaft that rotatably supports the operation lever on the vehicle body has an axis line oriented substantially vertically. An operation lever disposed on the side of the driver seat or in front of the side and supported by the vehicle body so as to be rotatable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle;
A grip provided at the top of the operating lever and gripped by the driver;
A conversion mechanism that converts the back-and-forth movement of the operation lever into a turning operation of a steered wheel;
A posture holding mechanism for maintaining a constant posture of the grip with respect to the vehicle body;
A vehicle steering apparatus comprising:   The vehicle steering apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the posture holding mechanism is configured by the operation lever including a parallel link.   The posture holding mechanism connects the grip to the vehicle body in a longitudinal direction, and connects the grip and the operation lever so as to be relatively rotatable, and slides the grip in the axial direction of the operation lever. The vehicle steering apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a coupling mechanism that couples in a possible manner.

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